Despite being more than twice the age of the average college student, James Taylor still rocks out with a young soul that overflows with timeless music.

Not a seat remained vacant Friday night at Breslin Center as the crowd's diversity further demonstrated music's alluring magnetism to unify multiple generations for the same yearning love of melody.

From the seasoned older visitor in a cream-knitted sweater to the spiked hair prepubescent teenager sporting army pants and a Twiztid T-shirt, the lines of dispersion faded for two and a half hours.

On a floor where 10 players would normally battle against the odds of agility and teamwork, hundreds of satisfied audience members cloaked the court, with thousands more in the stands as the lights dimmed and Taylor's five-piece band began playing "Secret O' Life."

Encircled by a white silk curtain, the band opened in a triangular orifice, flooding the stage with the rich colors of red, blue and yellow. Although the band knocked over Taylor's microphone, he swiftly picked it up without missing a beat,

Playing almost 20 songs of classics, a cover and new material from his album, "October Road," Taylor made sure the crowd felt every note, heard every word and conceived every colorful moment of his set.

The audience repeatedly yelled gratifying comments to Taylor throughout his performance, including, "I love you," to which Taylor said, "Cool."

But one memorable comment was made by a woman from the back of the arena who screamed, "My mother loves you." Taylor calmly replied, "Give her my fond regards, and my son's crazy about you."

Taylor introduced all his musicians sporadically during the set, but presented bassist Jimmy Johnson so he could begin the opening riff of the illustrious "Country Road."

With a drum and vocal midsong rap that burst into the chorus, it was greeted by the applause of an ecstatic audience.

The song "You've Got a Friend" motivated one couple to start dancing in the middle of the venue as they were soon joined by others, while "Fire and Rain" was met by a thousand voices singing along.

When it seemed Taylor was done, Breslin erupted with a standing ovation as he waved and bowed before leaving the stage.

Most lit lighters and others stomped their feet as the chants for Taylor never ceased to flow in the darkness.

Taylor returned, playing the rocking "Steamroller" with its interchanging piano and guitar solo. As the band bowed for the second time, Taylor whispered into his bandmates' ears before they returned to their instruments to play the wonderful, crowd participating "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)."

But it still wasn't over.

"I want to thank you for letting us play for you and coming out," Taylor said. "It's not the same without you."

Fans yelled back, "Thank you," and one even yelled, "Please come to Canada."

Taylor ended the night with a final solo acoustic performance of "Sweet Baby James" and added the final touches to a perfect ending for a perfect night.

"Excellent; he was just excellent," said Alma resident Gina Holmes. "It's the first time I've ever seen him in concert."

Alma resident Kemdee Huxley agreed.

"I thought he was fantastic," she said. "He has a soothing, fun, fantastic voice - he just makes you feel good."

Even students were blown away by Taylor's music.

"I thought he was wonderful," said Lansing Community College student Kevin Fink. "You've got to see him live - he's amazing.

"It doesn't have the same effect the CD does. You just go in, and you just, ah, it's amazing. It's so hard to describe."